And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake - in answer, doubtless, to the prayers and expectations of the sufferers, that, for the truth's sake and the honour of their Lord, some interposition might take place.
So that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands (the bands of all the prisoners) were loosed - not, of course, by the earthquake, but by a miraculous energy accompanying it. By this and the joyous strains which they had heard from the sufferers-not to speak of the change worked upon the jailor-these prisoners could hardly fail to have their hearts in some measure opened to the truth; and this part of the narrative seems the result of information afterward communicated by one or more of these men.